The Shark Bowling Pattern

    
    There are approximately EIGHT Professional Oil patterns that are used mostly in the PBA (Professional Bowlers Association) Tournaments that you can watch on television. Sometimes they may appear on the lanes during big tournaments around the country as well. As I have previously said, oil is placed on the lanes to present a challenge to each bowler. There is what's called "The 31 Rule". If you subtract this number from the length of the pattern you are playing on, it gives you an idea of where the breakpoint will be so you will have an idea of where your starting point can be. Remember this is just a starting point. When you get your practice session, always let your ball be your guide and adjust from there.

​    The Shark oil pattern is 44 feet long down the 60 foot lane which makes it a difficult pattern to play because it doesn't give your ball much of a chance to hook until it's pretty close to the pins.

​The pattern looks like this:

Shark Oil Pattern

1. Strokers-- Should throw between the first and second arrow. 
    Tweeners-- Should stand further left and aim around the third arrow.
    Crankers-- Should play even farther left of the Tweener and aim between the 4th and 5th arrows. 


2. If you can, I recommend either walking a bit more slowly along the approach, or holding the ball lower at the stance allowing the ball to slow down so it has more of a chance to hook into the pocket. Throwing the ball SLOWER will give it a chance to get into the rolling phase when it hits the pocket, or you may not be able to carry the strike.If you throw it to hard or fast, it will only slide on the oil and never have a chance come up into the 1-3 pocket (1-2 for lefty's).


3. If you have an aggressive ball (one that has a large hook), this would be good time for you to use it. It will be able to cut through the oil better than your regular hooking ball.


4. If you miss your target to the outside (to the right), the ball may not have a chance to hook back.


5. This pattern will become easier to deal with as you bowl more games. The oil will break down and some will be removed, then you can use a lesser aggressive ball. 


6. You can also try rolling your ball more PARALLEL to the boards on the lane.

7. Keep the breakpoint as close to the headpin as possible.


​    Worse case scenario, you can use your 10 pin spare plastic ball I mentioned to buy. It will go straight to give you more accuracy and will be easier to get into the pocket area leaving you with an 8 or 9 pin count which is better than having to deal with a possible split. A straight ball won't be affected by the oil, and then when the oil breaks down, you can use your regular hooking ball which will work better at that point.

    Remember to make sure you are keeping an eye on the ball and observing how it is working on the lane so you can   figure out what adjustments you need to make as soon as possible.

Join me here again next week when I'll be discussing "What do I need to know about in Bowling"?-Part 7"
​I hope to see you again.

​Good Luck and High Scoring!!

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